David Cameron electrified Westminster yesterday with his pledge to hold an in-out referendum but constitutional debate was not on the menu for most of the British populace at lunchtime.

David Cameron electrified Westminster yesterday with his pledge to hold an in-out referendum but constitutional debate was not on the menu for most of the British populace at lunchtime.

The report of the speech was just the 10th most read item on the BBC’s website, although in sixth place was the French foreign minister’s invitation for businesses to cross the channel if the UK leaves the EU.

There was much more interest in the “massive melting of Andes glaciers” which was the third most popular story, just behind the revelation that Beyonce may have lip-synched during the presidential inauguration. The top-read story gave the latest details about the London helicopter crash.

This is not the only evidence to emerge this week that the issue of EU membership is not quickening the pulse of the people who may now get a chance to vote on whether we stay in or get out.

An Ipsos Mori poll found the most important issues facing Britain were the economy (52%), unemployment (29%), race relations/immigration (22%), the NHS (21%) and crime/law and order (18%).

There was relatively low concern about poverty/inequality (11%), pensions/benefits (10%) and housing (9%).

But only 6% of respondents named Europe among the most important issues facing the country, and it has not scored above 10% since June 2005 .

Nevertheless, in a culture where parties are scrambling for every conceivable vote, this week’s YouGov poll which showed Ukip and the Lib Dems were on level-pegging at 10% will have set off emergency alarms in party headquarters across London.

The Conservatives took Cardiff North in 2010 by a mere 194 votes, with 1,130 people plumping for Ukip; if Nigel Farage’s party do better next time round – and they might if their telly-friendly leader gets a slot on the TV debates – the Conservatives could wave goodbye to the constituency.

But if Labour can make the case that the prime minister’s “banging on about Europe” is damaging the issues voters care about most – the economy and jobs – then the Conservative euro-crusade could become a liability.

But today Mr Cameron has scored one victory. Instead of talking about who the Lib Dems will back in a hung parliament in 2015, politicians of all parties are imagining a Conservative majority Government as a real possibility.

WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print.